In-Process Recycling of Rinse Water from Copper Plating Operations Using Electrical Remediation

摘要

The copper plating industry generates large amounts of contaminated rinse water. A novelsystem has been developed to recycle the spent rinse water back to the rinsing operation. Thissystem integrates electrowinning and ion-exchange for the efficient removal of metalcontaminants, such as copper. The system utilizes integrated ion-exchange electrodes for thesimultaneous removal of anions and cations in solution. After treatment, heavy metalconcentration and TDS are reduced, and the pH is neutralized. Consequently, treated water canbe recycled back to the rinse operation. As an added benefit, the cell has the ability to beregenerated in-situ.